On Sunday afternoon, the Oakland Raiders will travel to Colorado to take on the Denver Broncos at the Empower Field at Mile High. There are important matchups to consider when trying to determine a winner, but the defensive ends likely hold the keys to victory. Fifth-round rookie, Hunter Renfrow, must have a productive game in order for the Raiders to leave Sunday with a victory.
Hunter Renfrow Holds the Key to Victory for Raiders
Wide Receiver Play Will Likely Be Key
Hunter Renfrow is already making his mark as the biggest steal of the 2019 NFL Draft. His stats for the season don’t tell the whole story, especially considering he missed a few games due to injury. He had his first 100 yard receiving game of his young career last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, and will look to have that same type of impact this Sunday. Renfrow is a slot receiver, but can lineup anywhere on the field. He’s too quick for linebackers and too fidgety for safeties. With Tyrell Williams underperforming and Josh Jacobs not playing due to injury, Renfrow will need to have a strong finish to the season if the Raiders want any chance of winning this game.
The Other Key Matchup: Daryl Worley vs. Courtland Sutton
With rookie cornerback Trayvon Mullen questionable to play this Sunday, all eyes will be on Daryl Worley in pass defense. Worley has been hold and cold all season, but has really turned it on here these last few games. As the injuries have continued to pile up, his ability to play multiple positions has earned him more and more playing time. He’ll be tasked with slowing down breakout wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
Sutton has 68 receptions, on the year, for 1060 yards and six touchdowns. His 2019 season has been even more impressive when you take into account the constant turnover the Broncos have had at the quarterback position this year, though they seem to have finally found something in rookie Drew Lock. Whether Worley is lining up at cornerback, safety or nickel linebacker, he’ll need to know where Sutton is at all times. If not, then it’ll be a long day for the raiders’ defense.
Final Thoughts
Is there any team that’s more hot and cold than the Oakland Raiders? You never know what you’re going to get from this team from week to week, and it’s been hell for fans. The 2019 season has been laced with plenty of highs and lows, and now it’s time for the Raiders to deliver us one last gift for the holiday season: a win against the Broncos. The Raiders are still alive in the playoff hunt and need a plethora of things to happen to make it in, but none of that matters if they can’t beat the Broncos this weekend.
Win or lose, the Raiders have a strong foundation to build on for years to come. Las Vegas will be an attractive destination for several top free agents this off-season, and let’s not forget the Raiders also have two first round picks in the upcoming draft. Win or lose this Sunday, no one can say that the Raiders didn’t exceed expectations this season. This team has a bright future, and I’m predicting a 49ers-like jump in production next season. Hopefully the rest of the fan base is as optimistic.
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